# Baha'is and Military Service

*Exported from [Holy-Writings.com](https://www.holy-writings.com/) on 2026-06-18 — 1 clipping.*

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> The policies governing the relationship of American Bahá'ís to military service are currently 
> being reviewed. Pending publication of a more definitive explanation, the friends will be guided 
> by the Guardian's statement of principle and by certain repeated elaborations by the National 
> Spiritual Assembly.
> 
> Shoghi Effendi's 1946 guiding words of principle are still in effect: " . . . the Bahá'ís should 
> continue to apply . . . for exemption from any military duties that necessitate the taking of life. 
> There is no justification for any change of attitude on our part at the present time."
> 
> It is obligatory, and not optional for all Bahá'ís in the United States to apply for non-combatant 
> status when registering at the age of 18.  By registering as a Bahá'í, there is opportunity for 
> recognition of the Cause both at the Draft Board and among acquaintances.  Instructions for youth 
> may be obtained from the local or national assemblies.  The Bahá'í statements on military 
> service and on loyalty to government are supplied.
> 
> Since it is only through the Selective Service machinery of classification and induction that a 
> noncombatant status can be assured, one who volunteers for service ordinarily forfeits his right 
> to receive that status.  Therefore, Bahá'ís should not voluntarily enlist in any branch of the 
> Armed Forces which by definition is entirely a combatant Service.
> 
> A person who becomes a Bahá'í while in service, and who does not already have non-combatant 
> status has an obligation to his government to finish out his term of duty as he has honorably 
> committed himself to do.  However, it may be possible to obtain de facto non-combatant status by 
> transferring to a selected duty which does not call for physical fighting; such transfer should be 
> effected in such fashion as not to impair relationships with responsible superiors, and without 
> there being any question of his willingness to serve his country without regard for personal 
> safety, comfort, or type of service to which he may be assigned.
> 
> Each Bahá'í serviceman should request identification as a Bahá'í, not as a Protestant, Catholic 
> or Jew.  Since the Bahá'í Faith is recognized as a separate religion, and military authorities 
> have permitted the Bahá'í star as a headstone symbol for those buried in military cemeteries, 
> the designation "Bahá'í" can readily be gained.
> 
> In unusual or special cases where the above general principles do not appear to be applicable, 
> or when specific information is required, please contact the National Bahá'í Office.
>
> — *Baha'is and Military Service (Used by permission of the curator)*